REI Co-Op opens its doors in North Conway with a line of over 250 customers

September 27, 2019 (North Conway, NH) – A perfect fall morning set the scene for a wildly successful grand opening for REI North Conway, located in Settlers Crossing. Over 250 customers lined up for its 8 a.m. opening, receiving complimentary water bottles stuffed with gift cards in the amount of $10, $50 and $100, as they passed through the entrance. Stores employees lined up to welcome them with cowbells in hand, an REI tradition.

The nearly 25,000 square foot space is REI Co-op’s first New Hampshire store. It differs from the co-op’s traditional retail spaces in that rather than being designed for the products it sells, it is designed first to be a launching pad for outdoor activities – a place where people of all levels of expertise can gather to plan their trip, pick up rentals or enjoy a guided outdoor experience.

“North Conway is an exciting location, as it allows us to serve our New England members in the heart of where they recreate,” said Rachel Ligtenberg, REI vice president of retail. “By combining retail, outdoor experiences and rentals all into one seamless in-store experience, REI North Conway can help every kind of adventurer get outside in the White Mountains.”

REI North Conway is celebrating the new store with free public activities, events and giveaways now through Sunday, September 29.

  • Shop early, get rewards: The first 250 people (age 18 and up) through the door on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive a limited-edition water bottle with a $10, $50 or $100 REI gift card inside. Doors open at 8 a.m. each day.
  • Afternoon outdoor social: Starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, REI North Conway will host a party in the parking lot with free food, music, games and REI outdoor programs. Vendors will also be on site offering exclusive giveaways and demonstrations. Events end at 6 p.m. each day.
  • Local partnerships: REI is partnering with local Tuckerman Brewing Company on a limited-edition brew, “Snow Ranger White Ale.” Together, REI and Tuckerman Brewing are donating 10% of beer sales to the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine. Funds will support the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine’s ongoing partnership with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center as they provide daily avalanche forecasting and search and rescue leadership across the Presidential Range.

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